Your own retreat might seem like a far-fetched dream, but you can create your own amazing she shed and enjoy the luxuries of solitude.

The idea of a she shed came about as the feminine answer to the famous “man cave”—a personally-designed private hideaway. While the man cave provides for a masculine space in a home primarily decorated with female tastes, the she shed serves several more purposes.

Women need a space to escape from the pressures of work and family, enjoy their favorite hobbies, and surround themselves with their favorite things. A man cave gives men the perfect place to rest and be themselves. A she shed provides the same type of escape for women.

Peruse the photos below to discover the myriad of ways a backyard she shed meets a busy woman’s need for her own space. Whether a converted garden shed or an entirely new structure, the ways to personalize a she shed are virtually limitless.

1. Potting She Shed Ideas

An existing garden shed may be the perfect place to create your backyard getaway. If you already enjoy working with potted plants, keep one end of your shed devoted to gardening. Turn the other side of the shed into a reading nook or sitting area.

Source: @countryhometownhome via Instagram

Source: @mels_kitchengarden via Instagram

Garden sheds usually have plenty of natural light and ventilation. Open your garden shed to more natural light by installing a skylight or two. Paint the interior white or cream to brighten the space further. Transforming one end of the garden shed into a greenhouse will help your plants thrive.

Spruce up an old potting shed with a new tile or laminate floor. Buy a colorful new entry door and add a flower box under each window. A fresh coat of exterior paint can turn a backyard eyesore into a beautiful sanctuary.

2. Shabby Chic She Shed Ideas

Shabby chic décor is an ideal style to flesh out many she shed ideas. Vintage, rustic, yet refined, shabby chic interiors are simultaneously cozy and airy. Pale colors, neutral shades, and layers of texture are all beautiful hallmarks of shabby chic shed ideas.